What to do Before Buying a Luxury Home in the Twin Cities? Part 2

Looking to buy a luxury home in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Lake Minnetonka, or the Twin Cities metro area? Here are more ideas on what to do before your next home purchase:

Look beyond your Target Price – You might be looking for a home in the $5 million range, but if you are looking in an area other than where you currently live, you need to find an experienced luxury agent to help you understand market value. Find out what $1 Million, 3 Million, or even $10 million will get you.

Communication is Key – real estate agents cannot read your mind, no matter how good they are. It is extremely important to be honest about your goals and your finances in order to have a great experience. Most luxury agents understand the need for confidentiality and will be more than happy to work with you.

Put Trust in Your Agent – Realtors are professionals, so trust that your agent understands what you want (again, communicate) and you’ll be viewing homes that meet your needs. If at anytime you feel uncomfortable, do not feel guilty for seeking out a new agent.

Don’t be Confidential about your Assets – Be prepared to show your ability to purchase, no matter who you are. You might be well known where you live, but your new city banker won’t. Have your bankers talk to each other to verify there are funds available to close and to also source the origination of those funds. The seller might also ask for a letter of verification from your lender for their peace of mind.

Don’t forget Future Resale Value – It might not be your top priority, but someday you will probably want to sell the home you are purchasing. Check the appreciation rate for the neighborhood and take it into consideration when buying.

Think about your Offer – Price is usually the first item a seller looks at when an offer is written on their home, but an offer can also consist of contingencies about inspections, finances, closing dates etc. Remember to make your offer based on of all terms and the condition of the home. If need be, have your Realtor write up an explanation of your offer terms to include with the contract. Sometimes explaining your situation or reason to the seller will give you a “human factor” and most times get your offer accepted.

Don’t get Emotional about the Seller’s Personal Property – if there is something you like in their home and would like to ask for it, do not write it in the contract. Instead, draw up a separate agreement and ask nicely for the item(s). If they say no, let it go. Too many deals fall through because of household appliances or a chandelier. If they promise something is in included, get it in writing!

Get to know the Paper Work – Ask your agent for copies of all documents and disclosures and review them before you make an offer. Mark any areas where you have questions. Every state is different regarding the types of disclosures you need, and what you are use to in one state, most likely will differ in another. For example, in Florida, there is a “Termite” Disclosure which also covers mold, wood rot, and powder post beetles, but if you want to buy in Minnesota, they have no such disclosure.

Written by Jennifer Kirby

Luxury Specialist

Mission Statement

"While holding myself to the highest professional and ethical standards, I pledge to take my clients real estate success to new heights by helping them make prudent real estate decisions, and in the process, prove worthy of their trust and friendship so that I may become a long term friend and advisor."